Rustington Conservation Area

The Street, Rustington, is a designated conservation area, valued for its historic character, quieter streets, and sense of place. The volume of traffic, over 200 buses passing through raises several concerns about how well that character can be preserved.

One of the most noticeable impacts is on the area’s atmosphere. Conservation areas are typically defined by a calmer, more traditional environment, but frequent bus movements bring continuous noise and vibration from engine idling, braking, and acceleration. This can disrupt the sense of tranquillity for residents and visitors, particularly along the narrower streets where sound carries more easily.

Air quality is another issue. Even with newer, cleaner vehicles, a high frequency of buses contributes to emissions and particulate matter. Over time, this can affect both public health and the physical environment, including the gradual soiling of historic buildings and street features that conservation status is meant to protect.

There is also the visual and physical impact to consider. Repeated use of the same routes can accelerate wear on older road surfaces pavements, and kerbs - as can be seen at the bus stops.This damage creates unevenness that can amplify vibration levels when vehicles are idling and in motion.

While many residents fear structural damager, organizations the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) indicate that traffic-induced vibrations are highly unlikely to cause major structural damage. However, they can cause cosmetic damage (e.g., plaster cracks, windows vibrating) and exacerbate the deterioration of heritage buildings over time particularly where properties are close to the road. 

Traffic flow and safety can be affected as well. A high number of buses can lead to traffic congestion at the bus stops where roads are relatively narrow. This reduces the overall enjoyment of the Rustington as a village.

Finally, there is a broader concern about the cumulative effect on the character of the conservation area. The purpose of such designation is to preserve or enhance local heritage and distinctiveness. When traffic volumes, particularly heavy vehicles, reach a certain level, they risk undermining that goal by shifting the area’s feel from residential and historic to busy and transport-focused.

Balancing public transport needs with conservation priorities is important, but the scale of bus traffic in Rustington suggests a need to review whether current levels are appropriate for a protected area of this kind.

Arun District Council Conservation Areas Management Plan on Traffic management/street improvements & the Public realm has a long term aim to use liaison meetings with WSCC to develop a series of exemplar traffic schemes. The highlights a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) weakness as:

• Large amounts of traffic running through the narrow roads, of the village centres 

What Can You Do? 

If you believe that the volume of buses or the associated noise, vibration, and pollution in Rustington is affecting you adversely, you can submit a complaint to WSCC.

For more information please see the blog page: What Can You Do?